Bradford have confirmed that Lesley Vainikolo will switch codes this summer to sign for Guinness Premiership side Gloucester.
The Volcano set to erupt at Kingsholm
Bradford have confirmed that Lesley Vainikolo will switch codes this summer, with the winger leaving Super League for Guinness Premiership finalists Gloucester.
The 28-year-old, nicknamed 'Volcano', will remain with the Bulls until June before linking up with another former Bradford player, Karl Pryce, at Kingsholm.
Vainikolo is under contract at Odsal until the end of the 2009 season, but has been freed early now that Bradford have signed former Brisbane Bronco Tame Tupou as a direct replacement.
"Lesley came to see me and said that he still had a burning desire to see if he could replicate his success in rugby league in union," explained Bradford chairman Peter Hood.
Pleasure
"There aren't so many players who have achieved as much as Lesley has with Bradford or who have given fans so much pleasure with their performances, which I'm not sure we will ever see beaten in Super League.
"In view of this and his five years of unflinching commitment and service to the Bulls, we agreed that, should we be able to secure a world-class replacement, we would not stand in the way of his dream.
"Lesley knows he is welcome back at Bradford at any time and we genuinely wish him every success with this move."
Vainikolo, who has scored 143 tries in 146 appearances in the five years since joining Bradford from the Canberra Raiders, is due to be unveiled as a Gloucester player later on Wednesday.
Registration
But he could play as many as six more games for his current side, starting with a potential appearance alongside Tupou against Harlequins next Sunday.
And, with Bradford retaining his registration, Vainikolo could even return to play in the latter stages of the Challenge Cup - assuming the Bulls progress.
Vainikolo added: "First and foremost I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone connected with Bradford Bulls - including my team-mates, the staff and all the supporters - for making the last five years so memorable.
"Bradford is my home and I know I'll be back. I'm determined to go out on a high and want to contribute as much as possible over the next six weeks before I make the switch."
